St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has heaped praise on departing captain Gareth Widdop after he played his last game for the club on Saturday night. Widdop's final season in the red and white was a frustrating one, with a shoulder dislocation forcing him to miss the majority of the year. He will now return to England to play for Warrington in the English Super League and McGregor said it was disappointing his last season at the club ended in such meek fashion. Read more: Focus for St George Illawarra turns to performance review after final-round win "He's a guy that come to us in 2014 when Steve Price was coach and from the day he arrived, you could just see the natural talent," McGregor said. "He's the most gifted player I've got to coach in my journey. He's got a left and right foot kick, he kicks goals, plays an important position and leads the team around as captain. "We wish him all the best, he's gout our support, a beautiful young family, a lovely wife and hopefully he enjoys the next part of his journey." While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.

"He's a guy that come to us in 2014 when Steve Price was coach and from the day he arrived, you could just see the natural talent," McGregor said.

"He's the most gifted player I've got to coach in my journey. He's got a left and right foot kick, he kicks goals, plays an important position and leads the team around as captain.

"We wish him all the best, he's gout our support, a beautiful young family, a lovely wife and hopefully he enjoys the next part of his journey."

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.